Media 10, the new owners of 100% Design, the leading interior design exhibition, have appointed William Knight as the exhibition’s Event Director. Knight joins from the London Design Festival where, since 2004, he has been responsible for growing the overall programme, whilst developing the marketing and strategic planning for the Festival. During his tenure the London Design Festival grew year-on-year; and is now one of the leading annual design events in the world.

As Event Director for 100% Design Knight’s role will focus on reviving the show as the leading showcase for commercial design talent and excellence whilst delivering a great atmosphere for exhibitors and visitors to do business, network and be inspired. Content will be a critical part of the new role and Media 10’s ethos for all their media sectors has always been to push the boundaries and produce ground-breaking events. Knight’s remit will be to create the very best content and seminar programmes, as well as driving 100% Design’s wider role of delivering international trade for London and the UK’s design sector. The overriding notion is to ensure that 100% Design will once again be London’s un-missable design event and by engaging with the leading companies and brands in the industry – and bringing them back to 100% Design – the event will flourish for many years to come.

Speaking on his appointment, William Knight commented, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be taking on the role of Event Director, 100% Design at a critical moment in its history. Media 10 and I share an ambition to develop and grow the show, building on what it’s achieved and taking it to the next stage.”

Regarding Knight’s appointment, Daren Newton, Design Portfolio Head at Media 10 commented, “William’s experience of mounting campaigns and complex events programmes, as well as engaging the design sector, press, opinion formers and wider audiences, will be a huge asset to Media 10 and specifically to the newly acquired 100% Design”.

In a symbolic year for London, the exhibition will be a great opportunity for the city to firmly stake a claim as the design business capital of the world. With regards to this, Knight added, “London’s place in design has never been stronger, thanks to the Festival and the collective effort of the partners that make it the world’s most vibrant annual design event. 100% Design has a huge role to play in reinforcing the city’s reputation and relevance. I very much look forward to being part of the next stage in cementing London’s position as the world’s most important design city’.

During his time at the London Design Festival, Knight was an inspirational figure in its growth and success. Plaudits were led by Sir John Sorrell, who stated, "I have huge respect and regard for Will; I am grateful for everything he has done for the London Design Festival and I wish him every success in his new role". Director of the Festival, Ben Evans added further praise, "Will Knight has worked on 8 of the past 9 Festivals and he deserves as much credit as anyone for building the London Design Festival into what it is today. We will miss his contribution but he hasn't gone far. 100% Design has always been a key part of the mix and present since the first year. We look forward to working with him and his new colleagues at 100% Design".

With 100% Design a firm feature of the London Design Festival, its importance for the future will be very much part of Knight’s plans, “I look forward to supporting the development of the London Design Festival, in this important role within the design community”, he added.